SUMMARY: Prepare your mouth for the upcoming season of sugary treats so you don't scare away relatives!

Posted: November 15, 2012

Holiday season is here. Bring on the cookies, pumpkin pie and eggnog! With Halloween under our belt (or at our waistline), we’re now in the market for the next wave of candy and treats. This season is one of the busiest times for many people, no matter what holidays are being celebrated. From spending time at the shopping mall to getting dolled up for after-work parties, your mouth’s worst enemies are coming back with a vengeance - and a jingle. Not only do these sugary treats eat away at your precious pearly whites, but they cause staining and stinky breath, too. This time of the year, you may be tempted to grab a teeth whitening kit at any local store, but these kits sometimes cause more harm than good. This is especially the case with people who already have sensitive teeth.

The holiday season is not a time to ignore your oral health, because this is one of the most trying times of the year for it. This may be the perfect time to invest in oral care probiotics or teeth whitening kits that will leave your mouth looking and feeling beautifully clean. You want to show off those dazzling teeth you have this season, so taking care of them is very important.

Probiotics for a healthy mouth If the holiday season is known for anything besides presents, it’s food and drinks. Yum! Well, your mouth isn’t as excited as your tummy for what’s to come, because it can cause some serious damage if you don’t keep a clean mouth. Oral care probiotics are great options for people who want an extra boost for a healthy mouth. The good bacteria works to eliminate the bad that is causing stinky breath and other oral issues. Probiotics help with plaque build-up, gingivitis, periodontitis and halitosis.

“Bleach” those teeth Not literally! Teeth whitening can boost your confidence greatly, but it can also increase the sensitivity of your teeth. When you are choosing a tooth whitener, you have to be extra careful that it isn’t going to cause you pain. The active ingredients in a teeth whitening kit helps lift the stains that are set on your enamel, but some of them lift the enamel as well. However, a natural and concentrated product won’t cause this harm. Instead, it will get deep into the teeth to lift unsightly stains, while leaving your mouth pain free for that scoop of ice cream later. It’s also helpful to keep coffee, soda and black tea drinking to a minimum to make sure the teeth stay snow-white. For an in-between teeth whitening tip, rinse your mouth gently with water and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Be nice to a naughty mouth When you’re running from place to place, sometimes oral hygiene can slip your mind. Make it priority! Think about it: brushing, flossing and rinsing doesn’t take too much time at all, but as Americans we have this imprint on our brains that we must make the most out of every moment and multi-task at all times. Take a breather and learn to enjoy the quiet time cleaning your mouth. If you are enjoying the time spent with a toothbrush, chances are you will be more conscious of the action and do a better job. Get rid of bad breath, keep your teeth sparkling white and eliminate any gross bacteria. Your mouth with love you for it - as well as all the people you may run into!